Ski boot and stay therefor

ABSTRACT

A SKI BOOT INCLUDING A SOLE AND AN UPPER ATTACHED TO THE SOLE AND ADAPTED TO RECEIVE THE FOOT OF A WEARER. THE UPPER INCLUDES AN ANKLE EMBRACING PORTION, A FOOT EMBRACING PORTION AND AT LEAST ONE STRAP. A SEMI-RIGID LOAD DISTRIBUTION MEMBER IS RETAINED BETWEEN THE STRAP AND THE ANKLE OF THE WEARER TO DISTRIBUTE THE LOAD APPLIED BY THE STRAP TO THE FORWARD PORTION OF THE ANKLE.

Feb. 9, 1971 D. WJSTILLMAN SKI BOOT AND STAY THEREFOR 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 25, 1969 yFeb- T 1 D. w. STILLMAN 3,561,139

SKI BOOT AND STAY THEREFOR Filed Aug, 25; 19 69 2 SheetsSheet 2 United States Patent 3,561,139 SKI BOOT AND STAY THEREFOR Donald W. Stillman, 8215 Tuscany Ave., Playa Del Rey, Calif. 90291 Filed Aug. 25, 1969, Ser. No. 852,787 Int. Cl. A41b 00/00 US. Cl. 36-2.5 12 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A ski boot including a sole and an upper attached to the sole and adapted to receive the foot of a wearer. The upper includes an ankle embracing portion, a foot embracing portion and at least one strap. A semi-rigid load distribution member is retained between the strap and the ankle of the wearer to distribute the load applied by the strap to the forward portion of the ankle.

A ski boot typically includes a sole and an upper with the upper extending above the ankle of the wearer. One or more straps extend circumferentially of the ankle embracing portion of the upper. Such straps are relatively narrow and can be connected or buckled to the upper to tighten the boot around the ankle of the wearer.

When skiing, it is common to bend forwardly at the ankle so that the leg of the skier between the ankle and knee forms an acute angle with the foot. The straps of the ski boot resists such forward movement of the leg. As the straps are relatively narrow, the pounds per square inch of pressure between the ankle and straps is quite significant and after long periods of skiing, the forward portions of the ankles of the skier may become bruised or blistered due to the high unit loading caused by the straps. The upper edges of the straps produce the most discomfort.

The present invention solves this problem by providing a ski boot with new and improved means for distributing the load imposed by the straps against the ankle. Accord ing to the present invention, a semi-rigid load distribution member is provided on the ankle embracing portion of the upper. The load distribution member is sandwiched between the straps of the boot and the ankle of the skier. The load distribution member has a greater dimension axially of the ankle of the skier than do the straps. Accordingly, the force applied by the strap to the ankle is distributed over a relatively large area of the ankle by the load distribution member with consequent reduction in stress on the ankle.

In order that the load distribution member can distribute the force, it is necessary that it possess at least some rigidity. Although a completely rigid member would serve to distribute the load, for improved comfort the load distribution member is preferably semi-rigid. As the load distribution member will be used at relatively low temperatures, it is desirable to maintain the semi-rigid nature thereof at low temperatures. Any suitable plastic material possessing these properties can be effectively utilized with nylon being preferred.

The load distribution member may be permanently or releasably attached to the ski boot. In either event, the load distribution member must not hamper loosening of the upper to permit insertion or withdrawal of the foot of the wearer from the ski boot. Similarly, the load distribution member must be made operative upon tightening of the upper around the ankle of the wearer to provide the necessary load distribution function.

With one form of the present invention, this is accomplished by permanently mounting the load distribution member on a ski boot fastening strap which lies in front of the ankle. In another form of the present invention,

Patented Feb. 9, 1971 the load distribution member is releasably mounted on the fastening strap.

Although the load distribution member may be in different forms, preferably it is elongated in a direction axially of the ankle. The upper end portion of the load distribution member preferably extends away from the ankle to avoid uncomfortable contact therewith. The load distribution member is preferably curved over a major portion of the length thereof in a manner so as to generally conform to the curvature of the ankle of th wearer.

The load distribution member of this invention distributes the load applied by the straps to the wearer of the ski boot. Whether this distribution function occurs only at the ankle or at the ankle and lower leg regions is a function of the particular boot and strap design. Accordingly, reference herein to distribution of load applied to the ankle should be construed to cover distribution of loads applied to the ankle and/or the lower leg regions by the strap or straps of the boot.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation together with further features and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the ac- 'companying illustrative drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ski boot embodying the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the load distribution member;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 44 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view similar to FIG. 1 illustrating a second form of load distribution member installed on a ski boot.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the load distribution member of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 6.

Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1 thereof, reference numeral 11 designates a ski boot constructed in accordance with the teachings of this invention. The ski boot 11 generally includes a sole 13, an upper 15 and a load distribution member 17 which is retained by the upper 15 to provide support for the ankle of the wearer. The load distribution member 17 is usable with many different kinds of boots and the boot 11 is purely illustrative.

The sole 13 is a thick heavy member and the upper 15 is also of substantial construction. The upper 15 generally includes a foot-embracing portion 18 and an ankle-embracing portion 19 for receiving and embracing the foot and ankle, respectively, of the wearer. The upper 15 includes a pair of flaps 21 and 23 which can be held snugly together or released by releasable fasteners 25. Each of the fasteners 25 includes an eye portion 27 mounted on the flap 21 and a pivotable buckle 29 mounted on the upper adjacent the flap 23. The buckles 29 can be pivoted between locking and releasing positions in a conventional manner to permit tightening or releasing of the flaps 21 and 23.

Specifically, the eye portion 27 is mounted on the flap 21 by a screw 31 which is received by a nut 33. The nut 33 is mounted on a base plate 35 which in turn is rigidly mounted on the flap 21. By turning of the screws 31, the extent to which the flaps 21 and 23 are tightened by the buckle 29 can be varied.

The ankle-embracing portion 19 includes a tongue 37 and a strap or web 39 terminating in two relatively narrow, axially spaced straps 41 and 43. The ankle-embracing portion 19 is split axially at the forward region thereof. This allows the ankle-embracing portion 19 to expand circumferentially to permit insertion and withdrawal of the foot of the user. The web 39 is connected to ankle-embracing portion 19 and extends across the axially split region thereof to provide for tightening or releasing of the ankle-embracing portion. A pair of fasteners 45 which are identical to the fasteners 25 are provided for tightening or releasing of the straps 41 and 43. When the fasteners 45 are fastened the straps 41 and 43 apply force to the ankle of the wearer and such force increases when the lower leg bends forwardly during skiing. A concept of this invention is to reduce the unit loading of the ankle by the strap or straps of the ski boot.

In the embodiment illustrated, the load distribution member 17 is constructed of plastic sheet material such as nylon, although other materials may be used. The load distribution member 17 is semi-rigid, i.e., sufficiently rigid to provide a load distributing function. In the form illustrated in FIG. 2, the load distribution member 17 is elongated axially of the ankle-embracing portion 19 and is curved axially (FIG. 3) and circumferentially (FIG. 4) of the ankle-embracing portion so as to conform generally to the curvature of the ankle. In addition the curvature of the load distribution member 17 provides the load distribution member 17 with some rigidity. The load distribution member 17 has an outer face 47 and a complementary inner face 48. The load distribution member 17 has an aperture 49 adjacent the lower end of the load distribution member.

As shown in FIG. 1, the load distribution member 17 is permanently mounted on the strap 43 by a rivet 51 which extends through the aperture 49. The load distribution member 17 is sandwiched between the straps 41 and 43 and the forward region 53 of the ankle-embracing portion 19. The straps 41 and 43 hold the load distribution member 17 tightly against the forward region 53. However, when the fasteners 45 are released, the strap segments 41 and 43 and the load distribution member 17 are also released to permit insertion or withdrawal of the foot of the wearer. As shown in FIG. 1, the load distribution member 17 extends for substantially the full axial length of the ankle-embracing portion 19. Specifically, the load distribution member 17 extends from the lower edge of the strap 43 to a location above the upper strap 41 at the top of the boot. The load distribution member has an upper end portion 54 which curves away from the adjacent portion of the ankle so as to avoid uncomfortable contact therewith while skiing.

In use of the ski boot 19, the fasteners 25 and 45 are released to loosen the upper 15. This permits easy insertion of the foot of the wearer into the ski boot. The fasteners 25 and 45 are then moved to the tightened or looking position to cause the upper 15 to more tightly embrace the foot and ankle of the wearer. In addition, the tightening of the fasteners 45 brings the load distribution member 17 into the position shown in FIG. 1 in which it is sandwiched between the straps 41 and 43 and the forward region 53. In this position, the load distribution member distributes the force from the straps 41 and 43 over a relatively large area of the forward portion of the ankle with consequent increased comfort to the skier. The straps 41 and 43 hold the load distribution member in position.

FIG. 5 illustrates a ski boot 11a which is identical to the ski boot 11 of FIG. 1 except that the former utilizes a load distribution member 17a of different construction and the rivet 51 has been eliminated. Portions of the ski boot 11a corresponding to the positions of the ski boot 11 are designated by corresponding reference numerals followed by the letter a.

The load distribution member 17a is semi-rigid longitudinally and may be constructed of the same material as disclosed hereinabove with reference to the load distribution member 17. Thus, the load distribution member 17a is elongated in a direction axially of the ankle-embracing portion 19a and as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 has a curved outer surface 47a and a complementary curved inner surface 48a. The load distribution member 17a is curved as it extends circumferentially and axially of the ankle-embracing portion 19a in a manner corresponding to the load distribution member 17. The load distribution member 17a has an upper end portion 54a which curves away from the adjacent portion of the ankle.

The load distribution member 17a differs from the load distribution member 17 in that the former has no aperture 49 but does have a pair of spaced, upwardly opening books 55 and 57 at the lower end of the load distribution member. In the embodiment illustrated, the hooks 55 and 57 are formed integrally with the main portion of the load distribution member 17a.

In use of the load distribution member 17a, the load distribution member is positioned as shown in FIG. 5 with the hooks 55 and 57 embracing the lower edge portion of the strap segment 43a. In this manner, the hooks 55 and 57 prevent upward movement of the load distribution member 17a relative to the ankle-embracing portion 19a. The curved portion 54a assists in preventing downward movement of the load distribution member 17a relative to the ankle-embracing portion 19a. In addition, the straps 41a and 43a hold the load distribution member 17a tightly against the forward region 53a to thereby further assist in retaining the load distribution member 17a against movement relative to the ankle embracing portion 19a. The hooks 55 and 57 may clampingly embrace the lower edge portion of the straps 43a.

The load distribution member 17a extends axially and circumferentially of the ankle-embracing portion 19 as described hereinabove with reference to the load distribution member 17 (FIG. 1). An advantage of the load distribution member 17a is that it can be used with existing ski boots without any structural modification thereto. In addition, the load distribution member 17 can be easily removed from the ski boot 19a.

Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, many changes, modifications and substitutions may be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

I claim:

1. In a ski boot having a sole, an upper and at least one strap with the upper being adapted to receive the foot of a wearer and to embrace at least a portion of the ankle of the wearer and with the strap being adapted to extend across the forward portion of the ankle of the wearer, the improvement comprising:

a load distribution member, said load distribution memher being at least semi-rigid; and

means to retain said load distribution member between the strap and the ankle of the Wear at the region of the upper which confronts the forward portion of the ankle of the wearer when the foot is received Within the upper to thereby distribute the load applied by the strap to the forward portion of the ankle.

2. An improvement as defined in claim 1 wherein said means to retain includes means for releasably attaching the load distribution member to the strap.

3. An improvement as defined in claim 1 wherein said load distribution member is elongated in a direction axially of the ankle of the wearer and the upper end portion thereof curves away from the ankle of the wearer, said load distribution member having sufficient rigidity to maintain such curvature independently of the upper.

4. A ski boot comprising:

a sole;

an upper attached to the sole and adapted to receive the foot of a wear, said upper including an ankleembracing portion and a foot-embracing portion with the foot-embracing portion projecting outwardly from the ankle-embracing portion, said upper including at least one strap extending generally circumferentially of the ankle of the wearer and across the forward portion of the ankle of the wearer, said upper including means to tighten the strap circumferentially of the ankle;

a load distribution member, said load distribution member being at least substantially semi-rigid; and

means to retain said load distribution member between the strap and the ankle of the wearer at the region of the upper which confronts the forward portion of the ankle of the wearer when the foot is received within the upper to thereby distribute the load applied by the strap to the forward portion of the ankle.

5. A ski boot as defined in claim 4 wherein said load distribution member has a dimension axially of the ankle of the wearer which is greater than the corresponding dimension of said strap at the region where the strap confronts the load distribution member.

6. A ski boot as defined in claim 4 wherein said means to retain includes a hook on said load distribution member, said hook embracing a portion of said strap.

7. A ski boot as defined in claim 4 wherein said load distribution member is curved in horizontal and vertical cross section so as to generally conform to the shape of the contour of the adjacent portion of the ankle of the wearer, said load distribution member having sufiicient rigidity to maintain such curvature independently of said upper.

8. A ski boot as defined in claim 4 wherein said ankleembracing portion includes upper and lower axially spaced straps at the forward region of the ankle-embracing portion and said load distribution member extends between said straps.

9. A ski boot as defined in claim 8 wherein the load distribution member extends above the upper strap and extends away from the ankle of the wearer above said upper strap, said load distribution member being elongated axially of the ankle of the wearer and being curved in horizontal cross section so as to generally conform to the curvature of the adjacent portions of the ankle of the wearer.

10. A ski boot as defined in claim 4 wherein said load distribution member terminates downwardly adjacent the juncture of the ankle-embracing portion and the footembracing portion and terminates upwardly adjacent the upper end of said upper.

11. A ski boot as defined in claim 10 wherein said load distribuiton member is constructed of a plastic material and is in the form of a sheet-like element, said load distribution member being elongated axially of the ankleem'bracing portion and having an upper end portion which curves away from the ankle-embracing portion.

12. An improvement as defined in claim 1 wherein the upper includes a foot-embracing portion and an ankleembracing portion and said load distribution member terminates downwardly adjacent the juncture of said portions of the upper.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,334,427 8/1967 Edwards et al. 36-72 3,372,495 3/1968 Finn 36-71X 3,419,974 1/1969 Lange 362.5

806,267 12/1905 King 3671X FOREIGN PATENTS 973,485 2/1951 France 362.5

PATRICK D. LAWSON, Primary Examiner 

